From 2019 to 2023, the Philadelphia Union experienced the club’s golden era.
Now, the club is trying to find its new identity.
With the vibes around the fanbase down right now, let’s reminisce on some of the best moments from the Union’s golden era.
1) 2019 // The Union’s first playoff win
2019 was the year the Union began to show signs of life. The club struggled to find its identity for the first 9 years of its existence in MLS. However, in 2019, things began to change. It was the year the torch was starting to be passed. Harris Medunjanin, Ray Gaddis, and Ilsinho were pivotal players. While the youth academy showcased the kind of stars that can emerge, as Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie did.
The New York Red Bulls and Union would put on an instant classic on a rainy Sunday afternoon in the MLS Cup playoffs. Despite going down 3-1, the Union pushed the game to extra time thanks to Fafa Picault. Where Marco Fabian would net the game winner, shockingly, it was a moment that had Talen Energy Stadium shaking. Ultimately, it was the game that truly kicked off the golden era.
2) Lifting the Supporters Shield in 2020
Following their first playoff win, the Union would carry the momentum into 2020. Despite navigating a global pandemic, the Union found themselves hoisting their first trophy. Simultaneously, it would also be when club legends such as Jose Martinez and Jacob Glesnes would make a name for themselves. The year as a whole was one to remember. While it ended disappointingly, fans witnessed Jacob Glesnes’ rocket against LAFC and Jose Martinez’s performance, which showed that he was born to play in Philadelphia all along.
Who could also forget the players hoisting a Supporters’ Shield made after a Captain America shield?
2020 was a pivotal year in the Union’s golden era. It was also crucial to maintain a positive vibe while navigating the pandemic.
3) Jacob Glesnes’ 122′ Goal Against NYRB
Death, taxes, and the Red Bulls and Union putting on a classic in the playoffs. At the same time, the entire game in its entirety was nothing to write home about. The last 90 seconds made up for it. Glesnes truly etched his name in Union history with his strike outside of the box. The club had grown its fanbase since 2019, which meant Subaru Park was shaking when the goal went in. Even Jim Curtin was sprinting down the sideline in excitement.
This was the Union’s golden era, core beginning to reach its full potential. Unfortunately, everyone knows how the season ends. A COVID outbreak within the team led to them being outmatched against NYCFC in the Eastern Conference finals. The title felt like it belonged to the Union in 2021. Despite falling short, the season still gave us one of the most memorable moments in club history.
4) Six Minutes With Hands on the MLS Cup
This one may be controversial, but the greatest moment in Union history is Jack Elliott’s goal to take the lead in the 2022 MLS Cup. LAFC and the Union put on arguably the best game in the league’s history. The joy, excitement, and pure happiness that the Union experienced during those few minutes when they had their hands on the MLS Cup were the best in club history.
Yes, we all know Gareth Bale would rip the trophy right out of our hands. However, there has yet to be a moment that topped it. Consequently, that moment would mark a spiraling point for the Union. The team was good in 2023. However, they just weren’t the same. It was heartbreaking to watch, but looking back fondly on that moment, as it was the biggest of not only their golden era but of the club’s history.
Is the Golden Era Truly Over?
Whether the golden era is truly over has sparked debate among the fan base. A simple way to look at things is that the door has just kept revolving. Jim Curtin, Jose Martinez, Julian Carranza, Jack Elliott, and Daniel Gazdag are all gone. The Union may not be a bad team in 2025.
However, it is not just the team that the fanbase grew to love from 2019 to 2023. The fan base has grown restless, the stadium is getting emptier and emptier, and the front office continues to fail to invest in the roster.
When times get rough, it’s sometimes best to look back on the best memories from eras past. The golden era may be over, but that does not mean the Union has to fall back to irrelevance.
Here’s to hoping the Union can create more, and even better moments soon.
PHOTO: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
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